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HOME IMPROVEMENT > How Do I Maintain And Care For Art Deco Furniture?

How Do I Maintain And Care For Art Deco Furniture?

February 24, 2025
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Art Deco furniture is a timeless design choice that blends luxury, elegance, and geometric precision. Whether you own a stunning Art Deco sideboard, a lacquered coffee table, or a classic 1920s-style armchair, proper care is essential to preserve its beauty and functionality. At La Maison Chic, we understand the importance of maintaining these exquisite pieces to ensure they remain in perfect condition for years to come. If you want to keep your Art Deco furniture looking as glamorous as the day you bought it, follow these expert tips on cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your cherished pieces.

Dust and Clean Regularly

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain Art Deco furniture is regular dusting and cleaning. Because these pieces often feature high-gloss finishes, lacquered surfaces, and inlaid wood, they require special care to prevent buildup and scratches.

How to Properly Dust and Clean:

  • Use a soft microfiber cloth or a feather duster to remove dust without scratching the surface.
  • For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid excessive moisture, as it can damage lacquered finishes.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners, ammonia-based solutions, or harsh chemicals, as they can dull the surface and strip finishes.

A regular cleaning routine will keep your Art Deco furniture looking polished and sophisticated.

Protect Lacquered and Glossy Finishes

Many Art Deco furniture pieces have a high-gloss lacquered finish, which gives them a sleek and luxurious look. However, these finishes are prone to scratches and smudges, so it’s crucial to handle them with care.

Tips for Protecting Lacquered Finishes:

  • Place felt pads or coasters under decorative items to prevent scratches.
  • Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface—always use coasters or trivets.
  • Buff out light scratches using a soft cloth and high-quality furniture polish.

At La Maison Chic, we recommend using a gentle polish designed for lacquered wood to maintain the glossy sheen of your Art Deco furniture.

Preserve Inlaid Wood and Veneers

Art Deco furniture is known for its intricate wood inlays and veneers, often featuring exotic woods such as ebony, walnut, or rosewood. These delicate details require careful attention to prevent warping or damage.

How to Maintain Inlaid and Veneer Surfaces:

  • Keep furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause wood to dry out and warp.
  • Avoid excessive moisture, which can loosen inlays and cause veneers to peel.
  • Use a high-quality wood conditioner or wax to nourish the wood and maintain its luster.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Art Deco furniture remains in excellent condition for generations.

Maintain Metal Accents and Hardware

Many Art Deco furniture pieces feature stunning metal details, such as brass, chrome, or gilded accents. These elements add to the furniture’s sophistication but require routine maintenance to prevent tarnishing or corrosion.

How to Clean and Maintain Metal Accents:

  • Use a soft cloth and a gentle metal polish to remove tarnish and restore shine.
  • For brass and gold accents, opt for a non-abrasive brass cleaner to maintain their rich luster.
  • Avoid exposing metal elements to excess humidity, which can cause oxidation over time.

At La Maison Chic, we recommend using specialized polishes designed for each type of metal to keep your Art Deco furniture looking refined and elegant.

Care for Upholstered Pieces

Art Deco furniture often features luxurious upholstery in materials such as velvet, leather, or brocade. Proper care ensures that your chairs, sofas, and headboards remain plush and visually stunning.

Upholstery Maintenance Tips:

  • Vacuum fabric upholstery regularly using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
  • For velvet, use a steamer or soft-bristled brush to maintain its plush texture.
  • For leather, apply a leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.
  • Immediately blot spills with a clean cloth—never rub, as this can spread stains.

A well-maintained upholstered Art Deco chair or sofa will continue to be a showpiece in your home.

Store and Display with Care

Proper placement and storage play a vital role in preserving the quality of Art Deco furniture. Whether displaying a stunning sideboard, bar cabinet, or dressing table, consider the environment to prevent wear and tear.

Best Practices for Placement:

  • Keep furniture in stable, temperature-controlled environments to prevent wood expansion or contraction.
  • Use area rugs or furniture pads to protect legs from scratches or uneven flooring.
  • Rotate display items periodically to prevent uneven fading from sunlight exposure.

At La Maison Chic, we believe that proper care begins with thoughtful placement, ensuring your Art Deco furniture remains a striking centerpiece in any room.

Restore and Repair When Necessary

Over time, even well-maintained Art Deco furniture may require restoration. Whether dealing with minor scratches or more significant damage, taking the right approach ensures that your pieces retain their beauty and functionality.

Restoration Tips:

  • For small scratches, use a furniture touch-up pen or wood filler that matches the original finish.
  • If veneers are peeling, consult a professional furniture restorer to avoid further damage.
  • When refinishing lacquered surfaces, seek expert advice to maintain authenticity.

If you own a cherished piece from The French Furniture Company or another reputable maker, professional restoration can help extend its lifespan while preserving its original charm.

Conclusion

Art Deco furniture embodies timeless elegance, but proper care is essential to maintain its iconic beauty. By regularly cleaning, protecting finishes, preserving upholstery, and caring for metal details, you can ensure that your cherished pieces remain in pristine condition.

At La Maison Chic, we specialize in providing exquisite Art Deco furniture that seamlessly blends vintage allure with modern sophistication. Whether you own a piece from The French Furniture Company or a treasured antique, following these maintenance tips will help you enjoy its beauty for years to come.

Explore our collection today to find the perfect Art Deco furniture for your home!

Paul Petersen

Hi There, my name is Paul and I am one of the writers for Blogging Beep. I am an accountant during the day with a deep passion in helping others through written expression and creation of content. Hope you like my articles. Feel free to share my articles on your social channels.